What Upgrades needed for a 3/4 ton pickup

Remembering you can't change the manufacturer's payload limit or maximum rear axle limit, you could add airbags to level the tow vehicle and you could insure that the tires and wheels are rated for the weight anticipated.

It would be helpful if you provided the actual details on the truck. 2500 is fairly generic and could result in wildly different answers.

Which body styles? A reg cab may not need anything more than a 5w hitch installed, and power plug in the bed.
On the other hand, an ext cab will weigh approx 500 or so more lbs than a reg cab, crew cab another 500 lbs more. 1000 less payload available in a crew cab. Some suspension and tire rim mods may be beneficial.

Marty

Maybe it's just me, but not sure I would be trying to pull a 14K Fifth wheel with a gasser unless it was all down hill.

Post all specs of the late model 2500, transmission, rear end gearing, tires/wheels, for proper answers.

Forget about older, high mileage model.

Jerry

Michelle.S wrote:
Maybe it's just me, but not sure I would be trying to pull a 14K Fifth wheel with a gasser unless it was all down hill.

Best answer yet.
Any "late model" unless it's a used '22 will be a 6.0 6speed, 3.73 or 4.10 gears and they havent changed in the drivetrain dept in about 10 years save for the new 6.6s which aren't mush better in the power dept anyway.
3.73 trucks are rated to tow about 10klbs GN/5ver and a non starter for that size camper IMO.
4.10 trucks are rated to tow about 14klbs GN/5ver

Suspension and chassis and cab type make no difference, really, the tow rating is based on how much power it has. Slap some airbags and a 5ver hitch in it and go. The chassis is up to the task no problem. Presume it has an integrated brake controller or you'll need one of them too.

IF it's a 4.10 truck and you'll be staying E of the Rockies and don't mind running with your hazards on in the truck lane up every grade, and 4th gear max on the flats it will pull...ok, at best, the rest of the time.


This is my analysis, not being the guy that holds up traffic and doesn't have time to wait for another birthday to roll by to get somewhere. If you're literally the person who is doing 55-60 mph max everywhere you go/tow and have the expectation that you will not be keeping up with, well, anyone except the Army convoys and heavy haulers, then it will be ok for you.

The truck drivetrain itself is pretty bulletproof. You can wind the snot out of the engine for days or months at a time and the only thing hurting will be your wallet at the gas pump @ 5-6mpg.

Now that I've reread intial better....
If the gas rigs are pre 2014, assuming a 6.0 gas, I would not buy that rig, 2500, 3500 SW or dw! A 6.6 gas is a way better option power wise. If at elevations below 6-7k' best. It will go to the 10-12k feet elevation in Rockies, but your down 30% of HP at those levels. If a single life time trip, go fo for it, if ALL the time over next 3+ years, get one of the diesels from last 10-15 yrs.
An ext cab may be ok payload wise, depending upon options 6.5 bed is 200 LS less than an 8' bed. The longer bed and wheelbase may be better than the loss of payload.

Marty

Lwiddis wrote:
Remembering you can't change the manufacturer's payload limit or maximum rear axle limit, you could add airbags to level the tow vehicle and you could insure that the tires and wheels are rated for the weight anticipated.

Wheel and tire rating are more important than the manufacturer payload rating. Knowing EXACTLY which rear axle and ratio you have installed is also very important.

You will likely have to upgrade the radiator, transmission cooler and probably the rear axle ratio.

Remember, older vehicles will likely need tires, brake, shocks and probably front end parts !

Wizard, didn’t think at all about the radiator and cooling. (Even though I’m very kool). Good response.

blt2ski wrote:
Now that I've reread intial better....
If the gas rigs are pre 2014, assuming a 6.0 gas, I would not buy that rig, 2500, 3500 SW or dw! A 6.6 gas is a way better option power wise. If at elevations below 6-7k' best. It will go to the 10-12k feet elevation in Rockies, but your down 30% of HP at those levels. If a single life time trip, go fo for it, if ALL the time over next 3+ years, get one of the diesels from last 10-15 yrs.
An ext cab may be ok payload wise, depending upon options 6.5 bed is 200 LS less than an 8' bed. The longer bed and wheelbase may be better than the loss of payload.

Marty

What’s the aversion to pre-2014? Same power and 6 speed back to at least 2010 as I recall.
I know the body/chassis updated in 2015 if that’s what you meant. But I’m not aware of any major chassis capability changes.
Regardless, OP shouldn’t even consider unless 4.10 gears.